Posted: May 13, 2005

Athletics: Changes To Minnesota Distance Classic Announced

From David Monti

(c) 2005 Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved RaceResultsWeekly.com

Organizers of the Minnesota Distance Classic, scheduled for Saturday, May 21, announced today that the men's 10,000m race had been scrapped.

"We thought there would be more interest in a 10,000 meter event five weeks out from the USA Outdoor Championships so people could get their qualifying times but apparently that isn't the case for U.S. men," said meet director Dennis Barker in a press release. Barker is also the coach of Team USA Minnesota, the host club for the meet. In addition, two Team USA Minnesota athletes, Jason Lehmkuhle and Chad Johnson, are injured and had to withdraw. That left only three competitors for the race. "With only three entrants other than our own two runners who are injured, it was too small of a field for a good quality race," Barker added.

However, the women's 10,000m will go on with 12 closely matched competitors. Sara Wells (career best 33:46.41) and Dana Coons (33:07.58) are the leading entrants for the host club, while Kathy Newberry of the NYAC has the fastest time in the field: 32:45.78. Other entrants include Lucélia Peres from Brazil (33:30.68), Maria Ghizzoni of Sweden (debut) and Debbie Thornhill of ZapFitness (33:34.85).

"The women's 10,000 meters will be a very competitive race since all the entrants are of similar ability," said Barker. "I think you'll see a pretty tight race among runners who are determined to achieve a good qualifying time for their national competitions."

The Minnesota Distance Classic is presented by Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, and the 10,000m is sponsored by the ING Twin Cities Marathon. The meet will take place at the Macalester College Track in St. Paul.